Improve Your Speed This Summer

Details

16 May

There are a number of different types of speed when it comes to running. At RedLine Athletics we cover 4 types of speed training:

01Running Mechanics. A way to increase running speed is to run efficiently. This is done by "cleaning up" the mechanics with which you run. Correct running mechanics leads to less wasted movements, which allows the athlete to apply that formerly wasted energy properly and get more out of every step.

02Acceleration. The ability to apply those improved running mechanics into how-to-get-moving. During acceleration week we cover foot reaction time off the ground, proper body posture and lean, and how to use gravity to help in the “drive” or acceleration phase of a sprint.

03Transitional Speed/Agilities. Foot speed and reaction time off of the ground is a big part of what it takes to run. That foot speed, proper body position, and the ability to decelerate quickly and accelerate quickly directly correlates with the ability to change direction as an athlete moves across the field/court of competition.

04Obstacle Courses. This is how we put all three previous running themes into one. We can also see if a client has grasped the concepts and understanding of what we’ve been working on, and see what needs to focus on more the next time around.

Here’s some food for thought. If a sprinter goes out and jogs 5 miles a day, is that hard work? Yes, but it’s the absolute worst thing they could do. By jogging, the sprinter is practicing running slow. An athlete will perform how they practice. So, a sprinter will only increase their running speed by practicing running at full speed.